The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict by Stewart Trenton Lee & Sudyka Diana

Author:Stewart, Trenton Lee & Sudyka, Diana [Stewart, Trenton Lee & Sudyka, Diana]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Childrens, Juvenile Fiction / Social Issues - Friendship, Young Adult, Mystery, Adventure, Juvenile Fiction / Family / General, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure - General, Fantasy
ISBN: 9780316202664
Goodreads: 12902891
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 2012-04-10T07:00:00+00:00

After breakfast the next morning, the boys went out behind the Manor in hopes of speaking in private. Nicholas was more ebullient than ever, and as they passed through the clusters of children playing marbles and jumping rope, he chattered happily about everything that crossed his mind—everything but the most important things, which required secrecy—and saluted everyone who met his eye, greeting the other children by name even as they anxiously turned away. John, however, though he had been cheerful enough over breakfast, grew steadily less so at the sight of the other children recoiling. He was still not used to being shunned. The constantly averted eyes and retreating steps depressed his spirits horribly.

Nicholas noticed his gloomy expression and guessed the cause. “It helps to be at a distance,” he said, tossing his head back toward the children. “When you’re not right in among them, you don’t feel quite so avoided.”

John looked glumly at him. “I know you’re already an old hand at this. Last week must have been awful for you. You didn’t have anyone.”

“Sure, it was bad,” Nicholas said lightly, “but it was only a few days, and now I have you and”—he glanced back to be sure they had drawn out of earshot—and Violet.”

“I’m glad you do,” John said. “I’m glad we both do.” And brightening a little—in fact, almost smiling—he said, “I still can’t believe you learned sign language in one night!”

“Well, as much as I could learn from one book, anyway,” said Nicholas. “It was a good book, though. Excellent illustrations. Definitely worth the risk.”

John frowned. “What risk?”

“Oh, I had a devil of a time reaching it. I had to climb halfway up the ladder and then lean out as far as I could, hoping I wouldn’t fall. It was even harder putting it back on the shelf.”

“For Pete’s sake, Nick, why don’t you oil that ladder? Then you can just move it and reach any book you like.”

“Why, that never occurred to me!” said Nicholas with a look of amazement.

John began to reply, then checked himself. His eyes narrowed. “Okay, you’re putting me on. I suppose you’ve already tried it?”

Nicholas shrugged. “I have, and it didn’t work. The wheels and the tracks are in terrible shape. Badly rusted, almost falling apart. I could fix them easily enough with tools and some new parts—or even some scrap parts—but not quietly, so I can’t risk doing it at night.”

They walked past the schoolhouse lot, where two boys were kicking a heavy rock back and forth. The Spiders were leaning against the wooden fence, urging them to kick harder and harder, and the boys did not appear to be enjoying themselves. Nicholas and John veered away, giving the Spiders a wide berth and keeping in clear view of the gazebo, where Mr. Pileus was standing on duty. Moray spied them and yelled something insulting that neither boy could make out.

“So is your face!” Nicholas called back, hoping it applied.

They kept walking.

Presently John said, “Well, let’s get to it, Nick.

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